Abstract: A microwave oven having a cabinet, a door, a programming interface, a magnetron tube that capable of being dynamically controlled, a controller configured to control the magnetron tube, and a microwave generating system is described. A method of dynamically controlling the magnetron tube in the microwave oven by utilizing a magnetron power supply is also described. By monitoring a current to the magnetron power supply, determining the current to the magnetron power supply at which the magnetron tube conducts, calculating a time base, and adjusting the time base as the power level required is increased, the control produces consistent power when the magnetron tube is cycled at less than a 100% power level and to compensate for a slow start of the magnetron tube during a short cook cycle.

Abstract: A combination cooking appliance controls a radiant heating element provided in an oven cavity, both a blower and a convection heating element provided in an air plenum, and microwave energy sources to provide for numerous potential operating modes. The present invention is particularly concerned with the manner in which the various cooking components are configured and flexibly controlled to provide for short cook cycles in a variety of operational modes.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an outer cabinet within which is provided an oven cavity which can be selectively accessed by movement of a door mounted through a door linkage system which enables the door to be shifted between opened and closed positions through either sliding or tilting movements. In particular, the door can be automatically or manually shifted between open and closed positions, through either the sliding or tilting motions. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the door can be automatically opened at the end of a process or cooking cycle, or manually opened.

Abstract: A voltage calibration routine for an oven, particularly a microwave oven, enables a field technician to enter a voltage calibration mode to display on the oven a pre-established default voltage to which the oven is calibrated. The technician then measures the actual line voltage applied to the oven and, if different than the default voltage displayed, inputs the actual line voltage into the microwave oven control, such as via a keypad. Thereafter, an offset value is calculated to correct the voltage measurement, allowing for a correct tap selection when the microwave oven is running. An additional function is available to check the oven voltage reading upon accessing a voltage reading mode wherein the oven measures and displays the line voltage which is compared to a volt meter reading such that a simple comparison can be made, while avoiding certain steps associated with the voltage calibration mode.

Abstract: A combination cooking appliance controls a radiant heating element provided in an oven cavity and a convection heating element provided in an air plenum with a regulating system which receives signals from multiple temperature sensors. More specifically, the appliance includes a first temperature sensor provided in an air return plenum portion for controlling the radiant heating element and a second temperature sensor arranged in a discharge air plenum portion, preferably downstream of a catalyst, for controlling the convection heating element. The heating elements are independently controlled based on the sensed temperatures to establish a desired oven cavity temperature, while accommodating for temperature fluctuations due to the incoming fresh air stream.

Abstract: A microwave oven cabinet is ergonomic designed to provide for both stacking and jigsaw-type back-to-back interlining of multiple units of the microwave ovens. In particular, the cabinet configuration advantageously establishes a reduced footprint, ergonomically designed microwave oven which can be effectively employed in various fields, including fast food chains wherein multiple such ovens may need to be functionally positioned in a limited area, while still being easily accessible.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a recirculating airflow which is directed through particularly configured air plenum and nozzle structure that synergistically combine to enhance an overall cooking efficiency and effectiveness. In particular, the configuration of the air plenum, as well as the sizing and distribution of oven cavity entry nozzles, provides for an enhanced flow of heated air to the food product, thereby resulting in short cooking times due to high heat transfer while also providing an even browning and crisping of the food item being cooked. In addition, the cooking appliance incorporates an exhaust system wherein cooling air and a percentage of the recirculating airflow are mixed prior to being exhausted from an angled exhaust mixing tube.

Abstract: A microwave cooking appliance includes first and second side mounted microwave systems, each including an associated antenna. Drive structure is provided to establish an oscillating operation for each of the antennae, wherein the angles through which the antennae rotate are configured to assure that the cooking appliance operates in favorable mode patterns. In accordance with the invention, the antenna preferably only oscillates through less than or equal to 180° and, most preferably, approximately 150°.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an outer cabinet within which is provided an oven cavity which can be selectively accessed by movement of a door mounted through a door linkage system which enables the door to be shifted between opened and closed positions through either sliding or tilting movements. In particular, the door can be automatically or manually shifted between open and closed positions, through either the sliding or tilting motions. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the door can be automatically opened at the end of a process or cooking cycle, or manually opened.

Abstract: A voltage calibration routine for an oven, particularly a microwave oven, enables a field technician to enter a voltage calibration mode to display on the oven a pre-established default voltage to which the oven is calibrated. The technician then measures the actual line voltage applied to the oven and, if different than the default voltage displayed, inputs the actual line voltage into the microwave oven control, such as via a keypad. Thereafter, an offset value is calculated to correct the voltage measurement, allowing for a correct tap selection when the microwave oven is running. An additional function is available to check the oven voltage reading upon accessing a voltage reading mode wherein the oven measures and displays the line voltage which is compared to a volt meter reading such that a simple comparison can be made, while avoiding certain steps associated with the voltage calibration mode.

Abstract: A microwave oven cabinet is ergonomic designed to provide for both stacking and jigsaw-type back-to-back interlining of multiple units of the microwave ovens. In particular, the cabinet configuration advantageously establishes a reduced footprint, ergonomically designed microwave oven which can be effectively employed in various fields, including fast food chains wherein multiple such ovens may need to be functionally positioned in a limited area, while still being easily accessible.

Abstract: A combination cooking appliance controls a radiant heating element provided in an oven cavity and a convection heating element provided in an air plenum with a regulating system which receives signals from multiple temperature sensors. More specifically, the appliance includes a first temperature sensor provided in an air return plenum portion for controlling the radiant heating element and a second temperature sensor arranged in a discharge air plenum portion, preferably downstream of a catalyst, for controlling the convection heating element. The heating elements are independently controlled based on the sensed temperatures to establish a desired oven cavity temperature, while accommodating for temperature fluctuations due to the incoming fresh air stream.

Abstract: A cooking appliance (2) includes a recirculating airflow which is directed through particularly configured air plenum (46, 49, 52) and nozzle (70) structure that synergistically combine to enhance an overall cooking efficiency and effectiveness. In particular, the configuration of the air plenum (46, 49, 52), as well as the sizing and distribution of oven cavity entry nozzles (70), provides for an enhanced flow of heated air to the food product (36), thereby resulting in short cooking times due to high heat transfer while also providing an even browning and crisping of the food item (36) being cooked. In addition, the cooking appliance (2) incorporates an exhaust system (92, 97) wherein cooling air (106, 114, 115) and a percentage of the recirculating airflow (95) are mixed prior to being exhausted from an angled exhaust mixing tube (97).

Abstract: A microwave intensification system includes a base frame having a plurality of support members, a microwave transparent, central vessel, and at least one dielectric unit positioned within the central vessel. A cooking surface is formed by covering the dielectric unit with a protective covering. In operation, a food item is placed within a processing container and positioned on the cooking surface over the dielectric unit. The processing container is sized such that an overlap exists between the container and the dielectric unit in order to balance the exposure of the food item to a microwave energy field. With this arrangement, the food item can rapidly undergo a cooking process in a manner wherein central and edge portions of the food item are exposed to a uniform cooking process thereby increasing the quality of the final product.

Abstract: A combination cooking appliance controls a radiant heating element provided in an oven cavity, both a blower and a convection heating element provided in an air plenum, and microwave energy sources to provide for numerous potential operating modes. The present invention is particularly concerned with the manner in which the various cooking components are configured and flexibly controlled to provide for short cook cycles in a variety of operational modes.

Abstract: A microwave cooking appliance includes first and second side mounted microwave systems, each including an associated antenna. Drive structure is provided to establish an oscillating operation for each of the antennae, wherein the angles through which the antennae rotate are configured to assure that the cooking appliance operates in favorable mode patterns. In accordance with the invention, the antenna preferably only oscillates through less than or equal to 180° and, most preferably, approximately 150°.